What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

 

 Rheumatoid Arthritis:

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the small joints of the body. These small joints consist of the hands and feet. Unlike osteoarthritis which is the "wear and tear" arthritis (meaning the cartilage at the end of bone wears down over time), it affects the linings of the joints. This causes painful swelling that can lead to bone erosion and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disorder which means that the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. It is characterized by polyarthritis because there is inflammation of more than one joint. The macrophages, T cells, and B cells penetrate the synovium while the fluid  in the joint is dominated by neutrophils. The synovium is a thin membrane that lines a space in a joint. When the synovium is attacked fluid builds up in the joint causing inflammation and pain. As time goes on much of the cartilage can wear away and the bone erodes which can cause mobility to become limited. Below is a an illustration that portrays the difference between a normal joint vs. a joint effected by rheumatoid arthritis.

 

 

In most patients with rheumatoid arthritis it becomes a big problem because it starts to affect organs such as the heart. It can also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. The cause of the disease is unknown which is why having the disease is so disturbing. Possible reasons that researchers have suggested are believed to be infection, genes, and hormonal changes. A rheumatologist who monitors the level of the activity of rheumatoid arthritis will encourage patients to stay physically active manage his/her weight, get enough rest, and maintain a healthy diet.